Aerial bomb and the method of making the same



Oct. 17, 1944. J 1 LONG 2,360,696

AERIAL BOMB AND THEMETHOD OF MAKING THE SAME Filed Feb. 18, 1942 Inventor a ATTOAJ/VF a Patented Oct. 17, 1944 STATES PATENT James D. Long, Laurel, Md. Application February 18, 1942, Serial No. 431,436

1 Claim.

This invention relates to improvements in aerial bombs and the method of making the same.

At the present time the shells of aerial bombs are constructed of metal, and while attempts have been made to find substitute materials for the metal shells, I am not aware of any materials having been found suitable for this purpose prior to my discovery of the present invention. I

The primary object of the invention resides in constructing bombshells of hard, glazed porcelain which may be easily molded into cylindrical shape with the tail fins formed integral with the body of the shells.

A further object of the invention resides in constructing a porcelain bombshell having a separable nose formed of the same material as the shell which is sufliciently strong to withstand rough handling and yet will readily disintegrate upon discharge of the explosive charge upon contact of the nose with the ground.

Another object of the invention resides in providing a porcelain shell for aerial bombs, either of the explosive, shrapnel, or incendiary type, which is strong and durable in construction, highly efiicient in use, and inexpensive to manufacture.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent during the course of the following description.

In the accompanying drawing forming a part of this specification and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same,

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of an aerial bomb constructed in accordance with my invention,

Fig. 2 is a cross section taken on line 22 of Fig. 1, and

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section.

In the drawing, wherein for the purpose of illustration I have shown a preferred embodiment of my invention, the numeral 3 denotes the shell of an aerial bomb having a nose 2 and tail fins 4. As more clearly shown in Fig. 3. the shell 3 is cylindrical in shape, being molded or formed of hard, glaied porcelain material with both the interior and exterior surfaces glazed to form a hard, smooth surface. The fins 4 which radiate from the outside of the shell at the rear end are cast integral with the shell. being formed of the same material as the shell. The front end of the shell is open and a screw threaded collar 8 is formed integral therewith for detachably securing the nose 2 to the shell, the

base of the nose having an interiorly screwthreaded flange 9 for engagement with the collar 8. While a screw-threaded joint is shown 'for connecting the nose to the shell it is obvious that other suitable means for connecting the nose and shell in separable relation may be employed. The nose 2 is made of porcelain and is solid throughout its length with a central aperture therethrough to receive a fuse or firing pin 1 which has a fulminating head I atone end disposed in the apex of the nose 2 which upon contact with the ground ignites the fuse.

The explosive charge 5 which is placed within the shell 3 may be of any suitable type and the inner end of the fuse 1 extends into the explosive charge for igniting the same. The bomb may be of the explosive type, or if it is desired, shrapnel 6 may be dispersed throughout the explosive charge or incendiary materials may be incorporated in the explosive mixture. The particular type of explosive mixture is not a part of my invention as the present invention relates only to the shell of the bomb.

Rings ID for suspending the bombs from the usual racks provided on bombing planes are attaohed to the wall of the shell by bolts II which are embedded in the wall, or if desired, metal bands may encircle the shellto which the rings I0 may be attached.

In use, it will be seen that by forming the shell of porcelain material, it is possible to mold the shells with the tail fins integral with the body, thus greatly reducing the work and time required in the manufacture of shells. The shell will also be lighter in weight than the conventional metal shells, and yet will be sufiiciently strong to endure rough handling without danger of breakage. When the shell is exploded, the porcelain will disintegrate completely into relatively fine splinters which will be particularly effective in inflicting injury on the enemy. Porcelain is a readily moldable material which permits the shells to be formed of uniform thickness and yet can be made sufficiently hard to withstand the shocks and jars to which the bombs are subjected when being handled, so that there is no danger of accidental breakage. By making the shells of porcelain, not only will the cost of manufacture be cheaper, but it has been found that material of this character upon being disintegratedby the explosive charge of the shell will inflict greater injury on the enemy than shells made of metal or other materials.

It is to be understood that the form of my invention herein shown and described is to be said shell also made of porcelain, the inner and outer surfaces of said shell and nose being glazed, said nose being solid throughout'its length and tapering to a point at its forward end, and said nose having an opening therethrough communicating with the interior of said shell for the reception of a detonator.

JAMES D. LONG. 

